I am not a fan of Shah Rukh Khan the actor, barring a few films such as Chak de India and Swades. On the other hand, I have great admiration for SRK the person; who comes across as very intelligent, articulate, with a great business sense and significant self-awareness I feel. So I watched him being interviewed by David Letterman on Netflix, and nothing I saw or heard resulted in any erosion of that admiration:
SRK’s charm is undeniable and effortless. When he modestly speaks about the realisation of not being half as talented as he thought he was, we are instantly convinced that he is in fact that talented! Clever!
He comes across as being a very hands-on, adept parent. He also speaks about exercising restraint when offering parental advice, giving his kids their space and about finding ways to spend time with them by doing a bit of cooking.
We see Letterman and SRK cooking in the kitchen. Letterman pretends to cut himself, SRK wryly tells him that the scripting is good; the performance fell short. We get glimpses of that understated humour through the programme; also as he speaks about his mother giving him to his grandmother to ‘adopt’ for some years.
Khan speaks about being ‘mean’ to his mother while she was in the ICU, hoping to trouble her enough to continue to want to live. It is an interesting thought process that he reveals. This and the revelation that he was brought up by women, make the man come across as very interesting; intriguing even.
He tells the story of pursuing the love of his life Gauri and his gang phase while a student. What comes across is the raconteur, the entertainer and the man who is willing to reveal at least some of his personal life.
The interview offers an interesting insight into Gauri Khan as well as the equation that the parents have with their children. The way that Khan’s family adjusts to the constant limelight and the fact that this is one of the most beloved Indians alive, is interesting as well.
One could say it is practised, and it perhaps is so, but the insecurity and vulnerability that Khan shows is charming as well. It is disarming and ultimately, this comes across as an entertaining and enjoyable interview. He even has a moment when, asked about the current POTUS, he isn’t too politically correct. Refreshing!
For Shah Rukh Khan fans, his interview with David Letterman is of course a must-watch. Even for non-fans like me, the interview is highly watchable – and darned if I don’t like the guy now.
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